SHOT Show in Las Vegas takes off amid debate

The event is sponsored by the Newtown, Conn. based National Shooting Sports Foundation

January 15, 2013 2:52 PM

Photo: Michael Short/Special to the Chronicle

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Ranger Sgt. 1st Class out of Fort Benning, Mike Ferguson takes a look through the scoop of a bullpup style sniper rifle. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Ranger Sgt. 1st Class out of Fort Benning, Mike Ferguson takes a look through the scoop of a bullpup style sniper rifle. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las ... more

Elvis impersonators walk past a large banner for Arsenal Firearms in the lobby of the convention center. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Elvis impersonators walk past a large banner for Arsenal Firearms in the lobby of the convention center. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on ... more

A convention attendee handles a Sig Sauer P220 .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol at the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The National Shooting Sports Foundation was focusing its trade show on products and services new to what it calls a $4.1 billion industry, with a nod to a raging national debate over assault weapons. less

Conventioners browse through the booth of military performance gear maker Crye Percision of Brooklyn, NY. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Conventioners browse through the booth of military performance gear maker Crye Percision of Brooklyn, NY. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on ... more

Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle

Conventioners browse through the booth of military performance gear... Photo-4037185.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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Will Michaels of Homer, La., examines a Bushmaster M4 A3 Carbine 300 AAC Blackout rifle at the Bushmaster exhibit during the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Tradeshow, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. Michaels, who owns a sporting goods store, said while his gun sales focus primarily on bolt action hunting rifles, he and his clients have taken an interest in assault rifles over the last five years because of an expanding wild hog problem in his region. The National Shooting Sports Foundation was focusing its 35th annual SHOT Show on products and services new to what it calls a $4.1 billion industry, with a nod to a raging national debate over assault weapons. less

Will Michaels of Homer, La., examines a Bushmaster M4 A3 Carbine 300 AAC Blackout rifle at the Bushmaster exhibit during the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Tradeshow, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. Michaels, who owns a sporting goods store, said while his gun sales focus primarily on bolt action hunting rifles, he and his clients have taken an interest in assault rifles over the last five years because of an expanding wild hog problem in his region. The National Shooting Sports Foundation was focusing its 35th annual SHOT Show on products and services new to what it calls a $4.1 billion industry, with a nod to a raging national debate over assault weapons. less

A box of 9mm bullets sits on display at the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The National Shooting Sports Foundation was focusing its trade show on products and services new to what it calls a $4.1 billion industry, with a nod to a raging national debate over assault weapons. less

A box of 9mm bullets sits on display at the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The National Shooting Sports Foundation was focusing its trade show on products and services new to what ... more

Photo: Julie Jacobson, AP

A box of 9mm bullets sits on display at the 35th annual SHOT Show,... Photo-4034973.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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Accessories manufacturer Kevin Kao, of Irvine, Calif., examines a military grade Remington ACR Special Purpose Rifle at the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The National Shooting Sports Foundation was focusing its 35th annual SHOT Show on products and services new to what it calls a $4.1 billion industry, with a nod to a raging national debate over assault weapons. less

Accessories manufacturer Kevin Kao, of Irvine, Calif., examines a military grade Remington Adaptive Combat Rifle at the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The National Shooting Sports Foundation was focusing its 35th annual SHOT Show on products and services new to what it calls a $4.1 billion industry, with a nod to a raging national debate over assault weapons. less

A convention attendee looks through a Sig Sauer display case of various guns including a P938 Nightmare 9mm semiautomatic pistol at the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The National Shooting Sports Foundation was focusing its trade show on products and services new to what it calls a $4.1 billion industry, with a nod to a raging national debate over assault weapons. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) less

A convention attendee looks through a Sig Sauer display case of various guns including a P938 Nightmare 9mm semiautomatic pistol at the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The National ... more

Stuart Konicar of Scottsdale, Ariz., looks down the sight of a Remington Adaptive Combat Rifle on display at the Remington Defense exhibit during the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The rifle, not available for commercial sale, was on display for industry professionals at the trade show which is put on by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. less

Stuart Konicar of Scottsdale, Ariz., looks down the sight of a Remington Adaptive Combat Rifle on display at the Remington Defense exhibit during the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. ... more

Photo: Julie Jacobson, Associated Press

Stuart Konicar of Scottsdale, Ariz., looks down the sight of a... Photo-4036977.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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Advertising for military small arms producer Daniel Defense is seen in the form of coffee cups available to attendees. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Advertising for military small arms producer Daniel Defense is seen in the form of coffee cups available to attendees. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las ... more

Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle

Advertising for military small arms producer Daniel Defense is seen... Photo-4036813.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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Remington rifle cartridges are displayed at the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The National Shooting Sports Foundation was focusing its trade show on products and services new to what it calls a $4.1 billion industry, with a nod to a raging national debate over assault weapons. less

Remington rifle cartridges are displayed at the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The National Shooting Sports Foundation was focusing its trade show on products and services new to ... more

Mike Hengstebeck of SRT Supply demonstrates the L.A.D. or Lock-Down and Defense ballistic shield unit developed for classroom defense against shootings. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Mike Hengstebeck of SRT Supply demonstrates the L.A.D. or Lock-Down and Defense ballistic shield unit developed for classroom defense against shootings. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the ... more

Stuart Konicar of Scottsdale, Ariz., looks down the sight of a Remington Adaptive Combat Rifle on display at the Remington Defense exhibit during the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. The rifle, not available for commercial sale, was on display for industry professionals at the trade show which is put on by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. less

Stuart Konicar of Scottsdale, Ariz., looks down the sight of a Remington Adaptive Combat Rifle on display at the Remington Defense exhibit during the 35th annual SHOT Show, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Las Vegas. ... more

Photo: Julie Jacobson, AP

Stuart Konicar of Scottsdale, Ariz., looks down the sight of a... Photo-4034972.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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Winner of the latest installment of the History Channel's sport shooting program "Top Shot", Chris Cheng of San Francisco poses for a portrait while attending the convention. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Winner of the latest installment of the History Channel's sport shooting program "Top Shot", Chris Cheng of San Francisco poses for a portrait while attending the convention. SHOT Show, the world's largest ... more

Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle

Winner of the latest installment of the History Channel's... Photo-4036518.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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Co-owner Gregg Thompson of Crye Percision, makers of military apparel and gear, poses for a portrait at his company's booth. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Co-owner Gregg Thompson of Crye Percision, makers of military apparel and gear, poses for a portrait at his company's booth. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in ... more

Attendees are seen in front of a large banner advertisement for Arsenal Firearms in the lobby of the convention center. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Attendees are seen in front of a large banner advertisement for Arsenal Firearms in the lobby of the convention center. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las ... more

Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle

Attendees are seen in front of a large banner advertisement for... Photo-4036523.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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A display of various weapons is seen at the booth of CMMG Small Arms Manufacturing. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

A display of various weapons is seen at the booth of CMMG Small Arms Manufacturing. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, ... more

Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle

A display of various weapons is seen at the booth of CMMG Small... Photo-4036528.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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Gun show attendees walk past a large banner for Arsenal Firearms in the lobby of the convention center. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Gun show attendees walk past a large banner for Arsenal Firearms in the lobby of the convention center. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on ... more

SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend.

SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend.

Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle

SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands... Photo-4036618.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend.

SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend.

Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle

SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands... Photo-4036619.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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Empty bullet casings are seen in a display at the Crye Precision booth. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Empty bullet casings are seen in a display at the Crye Precision booth. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an ... more

Photo: Michael Short, Special To The Chronicle

Empty bullet casings are seen in a display at the Crye Precision... Photo-4036526.55194 - San Antonio Express-News

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Gun show attendees walk past a large banner for Arsenal Firearms in the lobby of the convention center. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday January 15th, 2013, where an estimated 60,000 industry enthusiasts are expected to attend. less

Gun show attendees walk past a large banner for Arsenal Firearms in the lobby of the convention center. SHOT Show, the world's largest gun show, opened at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on ... more